Ear infection - acute

Definition

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their children to the doctor. The most common type of ear infection is called otitis media. It is caused by swelling and infection of the middle ear. The middle ear is located just behind the eardrum.

An acute ear infection starts over a short period of time and is painful. Ear infections that last a long time or come and go are called chronic ear infections.

Alternative Names

Causes

The eustachian tube runs from the middle of each ear to the back of the throat. Normally, this tube drains fluid that is made in the middle ear. If this tube becomes blocked, fluid can build up. This can lead to infection.

Ear infections are common in infants and children, because the eustachian tubes become clogged easily.

Ear infections may also occur in adults, although they are less common than in children.

Anything that causes the eustachian tubes to become swollen or blocked causes more fluid to build up in the middle ear behind the eardrum. Some causes are:

Ear infections are also more likely in children who spend a lot of time drinking from a sippy cup or bottle while lying on their back. However, getting water in the ears will not cause an acute ear infection, unless the eardrum has a hole in it.

Acute ear infections occur most often in the winter. You cannot catch an ear infection from someone else, but a cold may spread among children and cause some of them to get ear infections.

Risk factors for acute ear infections include:

Attending day care (especially those with more than 6 children)

Changes in altitude or climate

Cold climate

Exposure to smoke

Family history of ear infections

Not being breastfed

Pacifier use

Recent ear infection

Recent illness of any type (because illness lowers the body's resistance to infection)

Symptoms

In infants, often the main sign of an ear infection is acting irritable or crying that cannot be soothed. Many infants and children with an acute ear infection have a fever or trouble sleeping. Tugging on the ear is not always a sign that the child has an ear infection.

Symptoms of an acute ear infection in older children or adults include:

The ear infection may start shortly after a cold. Sudden drainage of yellow or green fluid from the ear may mean the eardrum has ruptured.

All acute ear infections involve fluid behind the eardrum. At home, you can use an electronic ear monitor to check for this fluid. You can buy this device at a pharmacy. You still need to see your doctor to confirm an ear infection.

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will look inside the ears using an instrument called an otoscope. This may show:

Areas of dullness or redness

Air bubbles or fluid behind the eardrum

Bloody fluid or pus inside the middle ear

A hole (perforation) in the eardrum

The health care provider might recommend a hearing test if the person has a history of ear infections.

Treatment

Some ear infections will safely clear up on their own without antibiotics. Often, treating the pain and allowing the body time to heal itself is all that is needed:

Apply a warm cloth or warm water bottle to the affected ear.

Use over-the-counter pain relief drops for ears, or ask the doctor about prescription ear drops to relieve pain.

Take over-the-counter medications for pain or fever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Do NOT give aspirin to children.

All children younger than 6 months with a fever or symptoms should see the doctor. Children who are older than 6 months may be watched at home if they do NOT have:

A fever higher than 102°F (38.9°C)

More severe pain or other symptoms

Other medical problems

If there is no improvement or if symptoms get worse, schedule an appointment with your health care provider to determine whether antibiotics are needed.

ANTIBIOTICS

A virus or bacteria can cause ear infections. Antibiotics will not help an infection that is caused by a virus. Many health care providers no longer prescribe antibiotics for every ear infection. However, all children younger than 6 months with an ear infection are treated with antibiotics.

Your health care provider is more likely to prescribe antibiotics if your child:

Is under age 2

Has a fever

Appears sick

Does not improve in 24 to 48 hours

If antibiotics are prescribed, it is important to take them every day and to take all of the medicine. Do NOT stop the medicine when symptoms go away. If the antibiotics do not seem to be working within 48 to 72 hours, contact your doctor. You may need to switch to a different antibiotic.

Side effects of antibiotics may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although rare, serious allergic reactions may also occur.

Some children have repeat ear infections that seem to go away between episodes. They may receive a smaller, daily dose of antibiotics to prevent new infections.

SURGERY

If an infection does not go away with the usual medical treatment, or if a child has many ear infections over a short period of time, the doctor may recommend ear tubes.

A tiny tube is inserted into the eardrum, keeping open a small hole that allows air to get in so fluids can drain more easily.

Usually the tubes fall out by themselves. Those that don't fall out may be removed in your doctor's office.

If the adenoids are enlarged, removing them with surgery may be considered if ear infections continue to occur. Removing tonsils does not seem to help prevent ear infections.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most often, an ear infection is a minor problem that gets better. Ear infections can be treated, but may occur again in the future.

Most children will have minor, short-term hearing loss during and right after an ear infection. This is due to fluid in the ear. Fluid can stay behind the eardrums for weeks or even months after the infection has cleared.

Speech or language delay is uncommon, but it may occur in a child who has lasting hearing loss from many, repeated ear infections.